Monday, April 20, 2009

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Word to PDF Converter

Convert To/From PDF Files

(Document Conversion Utility, Convert PDF to Doc, DocX, RTF, TXT, HTM)

English, Deutsch, Français, Italiano, Brazilian-Portuguese, Español, 日本語, Slovak, Other Languages


'Convert Doc' is a simple to use, yet sophisticated PDF document conversion tool. Convert to and from PDF, DOC, DOCX, RTF, TXT, HTM etc. This program does not require

any other software to be installed for it to work.

'Convert Doc', a tool to Convert PDF files

Download 'Convert Doc', a PDF Converter Tool

Below we discuss how to use the programs

user interface and command line interface to convert PDF files. Both methods allow you to automate your conversion needs easily. The user

interface has a built in scheduler, and 'Convert Doc's command line (or COM/ActiveX interface) can be used with batch files or your programming language.

NOTE: PDF conversion is only one of several things this tool can do. To learn more about 'Convert Doc's complete functionality visit the 'Convert Doc' home page.



Convert PDF files with the User Interface

Convert FROM a PDF file To DOC, RTF, HTML, Text

To convert one or more PDF files follow these steps:

1. Run 'Convert Doc' then select the 'Convert Files' action

2. Select the 'Convert From PDF to ???' conversion method and select your original (input) file. If you are converting a whole folder of PDF files, select the folder and specify all the PDF files within it. For example to convert all the files in the folder "c:\My PDF Files\" set the Original file to "c:\My PDF Files\*.PDF". Note the use of the asterisk "*" character.

3. Specify the target (output) file path and name. If you are doing a whole folder of PDFs to HTML specify the target file with the asterisk "*" in the name. For example "c:\My Output HTM Files\*.HTM" is properly specified. Specify the file type to convert to by choosing the "Convert To File Format" (DOC, HTM, TXT, RTF).

4. Click the ADD and CONVERT buttons on the tool bar to start converting.

Convert TO a PDF file from DOC, RTF, HTML, Text

To convert one or more files to PDF follow these steps:

1. Run 'Convert Doc' then select the 'Convert Files' action

2. Select the 'Convert Doc' conversion method and select your original (input) file. If you are converting a whole folder of files, select the folder and specify all the files within it. For example to convert all the DOC files in the folder "c:\My Files\" set the Original file to "c:\My Files\*.DOC". Note the use of the asterisk "*" character.

3. Specify the target (output) file path and name. If you are doing a whole folder of DOC files to PDF specify the target file with the asterisk "*" in the name. For example "c:\My Output HTM Files\*.PDF" is properly specified. Specify the file type to convert to by choosing the "Convert To File Format", in this case PDF.

4. Click the ADD and CONVERT buttons on the tool bar to start converting.

Repeating the Use of a 'Conversion Job'

When you click the ADD button, a 'Conversion Item' is added to the 'task list' at the bottom of the user interface. You can add as many 'conversion tasks' as you want, and save the 'Conversion Job' file for use at a later time. See the File menu for saving and restoring 'Conversion Jobs'.

'Convert Doc' can be especially useful if you require complicated file conversion jobs done on a regular basis. By saving and recalling a conversion job file, 'Convert Doc' quickly remembers all the file conversion tasks and their details. Press the F8 key while running 'Convert Doc' to schedule the running of a 'conversion job'.

Note: The same 'conversion job' file discussed above can be specified in the command line by using the /J switch. For example:

ConvertDoc.exe /J"C:\my conversion Jobs\All_PDF.SII"

It is the best file conversion tool you've never used... till today! Click here to download and try it out for free.

Click here for full documentation.

‘Convert Doc’ Command Line

NOTE: 'Convert Doc' can be used simply with the graphical user interface (GUI). If you've never heard of 'Command Line' before, we would recommend not reading this section and instead download and try the software.

'Convert Doc' can be run without a user interface with command line arguments much like in the good old DOS days. Alternatively you can initiate command line execution by going to the operating systems 'command prompt' or within Windows at the START-RUN menu and typing it in there. Lastly, the command line interface can be used from Batch files (files with *.BAT extension).

There are two approaches to doing the command line:

A) Specify a 'Conversion Job' that was built using the graphical user interface (GUI)

B) Specify a 'Conversion Task' in detail

Specifying a 'Conversion Job'

Specifying a 'Conversion Job' is very easy, as you only need to tell 'Convert Doc' where to find the associated *.SII 'Conversion Job' file. All the details associated with this task are executed in one fell swoop. The syntax for specifying a 'Conversion Job' is:

ConvertDoc /J{ConversionJobFile} [/V] [/L{LogFile}] [/B{LogToJobFile}]

Items above enclosed in square brackets “[ ]” are optional, all other ‘switches’ are required. Therefore /J should always be specified on the command line.

Example:

To run the 'Conversion Job' specified by the "C:\MyJobs\ApplesOranges.SII" type the following in at the 'Command Prompt':

ConvertDoc /J"C:\MyJobs\ApplesOranges.SII" /V

The /V switch is used to have 'Convert Doc' report the status of the conversion. It is highly recommended you use the /V switch when you are first developing your command line.

Specifying a 'Conversion Task'

Specifying a 'Conversion Task' is a bit more tedious, but does not require the prior creation of a 'Conversion Job' file. However, because the documentation contains a comprehensive list of examples, it should be a simple matter of finding the example that matches your needs, and modifying the paths to the input and output files. Below we've made a list specific to the conversion of PDF files. You can use the examples below to get going very quickly. If you run into trouble please see the sections "Helpful Hints For Creating a Command Line" and "Using the Command Line" in the documentation. Also, by looking at the documentation, you'll see the full list of options/switches available when using the command line.

Examples: Convert PDF Files To Doc, Txt, HTML, RTF

Examples: Convert Files to PDF


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PC guide 2

Understanding PC Sources, Vendors and Prices

Once you have determined what your system requirements are, and you've selected hardware to meet your needs, you must figure out where you are going to get the PC (or components) from. The PC industry has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few years, based on the explosive growth in interest in computing. This is very good for the customer, who has more choices available now that at any time in history. It's also bad for the customer, because it can make it very difficult to figure out whom to buy from and why.

In this section I will attempt to provide you with all the tools you need to really understand how the PC industry works and how to choose a good vendor. This begins with a look at the PC industry and the PC market, a very confusing and complicated place. I then discuss different sources for PC systems and components, and talk about the better (and worse) ways of doing research into vendors and prices. Finally, I provide an exhaustive (but hopefully not exhausting :^) ) examination of the different factors you should keep in mind when selecting a vendor.


The PC Industry, Vendors and The Market

One of the reasons that many people have bad experiences dealing with vendors and find the PC buying experience horrible is that they don't comprehend the machinations of the PC industry, surely one of the more "interesting" markets in the world. :^) Many problems with vendors are caused legitimately by the vendors being careless or unscrupulous. But in many cases you can avoid problems by understanding better what the industry is like, and what the vendors are thinking and trying to do (aside from getting your hard-earned money!) What I am saying is that the vendor isn't always the "bad guy", and in any transaction it is only advantageous to have an awareness of the other party's position.

In this section I explain a bit about how the PC market works. This includes some general comments on the PC industry as a whole, a look at vendors and how they deal with inventory and costs, reasons for considering a long-term relationship with a vendor, and also a reason to consider buying from as small a number of vendors as possible.


The PC Industry

The PC industry is one of the strangest in the world. There is probably no other type of product that is so technologically sophisticated, sells for so much money, and yet is sold by so many companies for so little profit. The severe competition in the industry is the #1 reason why so many problems are encountered by those who deal with PC vendors. While I consider there to be absolutely no excuse for a company not treating its customers fairly, at the same time I think customers should have some idea of what vendors are up against in this demanding marketplace.

Here are some of the most important characteristics of the PC industry:

  • It Is Very Price Competitive: By far, the most important thing to remember about the PC industry is this: it is one of the most competitive in the world. The main reason for this is the simple fact that making a PC is just not that difficult. Most are assembled from standardized components and not a lot of expertise is required. There are few barriers to entry to the market, meaning it is easy to set up a new PC company. As a result, there are tens of thousands of companies making PCs that perform similar functions. This causes the market to be extremely price-competitive. Most of the other characteristics of the industry follow directly from this fact.
  • Systems And Components Sell With Low Margins: Since the market is so competitive, vendors often sell at very low margins. Computers aren't like many other products, where the company selling the device is making upwards of 50% of the price of the product as gross profit (meaning, profit before overhead and general expenses). For PCs it is more like 10% or less. Many people buy a $1500 PC thinking the vendor is making, say, $500-700 on the item, and they find it hard to understand why these companies aren't getting rich. It's more typical for the vendor to make less than $100 profit on such a PC. Some small companies make virtually no profit at all on straight PC sales, and survive on post-warranty support and consulting!
  • The Market Experiences Rapid Price Fluctuations: There is probably no other industry that has prices change as dramatically and frequently as the PC industry. Usually, prices are decreasing. This is good for the consumer but very bad for vendors, because it means that their already low margins get squeezed if prices drop between the time that they buy a product and the time they sell it. It's not unheard of for a vendor to buy a component wholesale at price $X and find 24 hours later that the retail price has dropped below $X! The vendor must then try to dump the product as fast as possible to limit his losses. You won't find many industries where this occurs with regularity.
  • Vendors Keep Low Inventories: In an environment where margins are low and prices are generally dropping, keeping high inventory is a death sentence--whenever prices drop the vendor potentially loses money on every component in inventory at the time. For this reason, most companies try to keep as little in inventory as they can get away with. See this section for further discussion of this phenomenon and its implications.
  • Vendors Contend With High Bankruptcy Rates: Because of all the challenges involved in running a PC business, the bankruptcy rate is high. Many vendors have been in business only a short time. Some open a store, have it fail, and then open another one with a new name, sometimes year after year.

Well, now you have some idea of what a PC builder or vendor has to deal with, especially a small company. Sound like a fun business to run? I have been approached in the past by those who suggested I should start building high-performance systems and selling them; the bullet points above are the reasons why I wouldn't consider it while I am still in my right mind. :^)


Vendors and Inventory

As mentioned in the previous section, the rapid price drops and low margins in the PC industry mean that PC companies can't afford to keep significant inventories of components and systems if they are to remain profitable. This means that in many cases, companies don't stock the items they sell. Even when they try to keep items in stock, they generally have low stock levels, resulting in items going out of stock frequently, especially when they are in high demand.

The more honest companies will acknowledge this up front, and in many cases it is worth going to a vendor who can give you a better price because his inventory is kept low, rather than paying the inventory carrying costs of another company. If a reputable vendor says "I don't have it in stock but I can order it today and have it shipped out tomorrow" then that vendor is probably being honest with you. In some cases the item can be drop-shipped from the wholesaler or distributor so you get it as fast as if the vendor had it in stock: so-called "virtual warehousing", which is becoming increasingly popular today.

The problems occur when companies try to "have their cake and eat it too"--they don't want to carry inventory, but they want their customers to think they have inventory so they will get orders for items that are supposed to be in stock. Some companies will in fact blatantly lie about the stock status of many items. They will say the item is in stock and then order it after you have already given them your credit card number; then you end up waiting for the item to come to the company when you think it's already on its way to you.

Other unethical vendors make you wait even longer. They will take an order and not even order the item from their supplier until they have "accumulated" enough orders of that particular item. This is done so they can get better pricing from their suppliers on larger quantity orders, or to save on shipping costs. This behavior is unethical, but it is done far too frequently by the less scrupulous vendors.

Again, not all vendors do these things; better vendors do not engage in this sort of behavior. What all this means to you, the consumer, is that you must be doubly sure to find out at the time that you order anything, whether or not it is in fact in stock and if not, when it will be in stock. Don't let the vendors push you around. See this vendor selection section on stock levels and out-of-stock policy for more. And if you have trouble with a vendor that claims to have something in stock but turns out to be lying, see here for some ideas on dealing with it.


Understanding PC Buying

It is essential to understand that buying PCs should not be approached in the same way that you would purchase another consumer electronics item like a dishwasher, television set or car stereo. When you buy one of these other items, you generally have a pretty good idea of what you are getting, and what will be included. Sure, the products will vary in terms of size, features, styles and colors, but at its core, the product performs one basic function and all the different models are fairly similar. In addition, the units are sold in pretty much a "take it or leave it" fashion--you can't walk into an electronics superstore and say "I'd like that dishwasher but I want the top and bottom racks switched, and I need it made 4" shorter so it will fit under my countertop".

In contrast, PCs aren't "integral wholes". Well, some are sold that way, especially retail "PCs in a box", but in reality, PCs are made from fairly standard components. They are also highly customizable, assuming you buy from a source willing to let you exploit this key advantage. In many ways, PCs are more like cars than they are like car stereos.

While companies try to build brand loyalty by making consumers think there is something inherently superior to their machines, this is usually not the case. There is little "magic" in a particular brand of PC compared to another. What the PC's hardware really boils down to is the sum of its components. The brand name or the company are important, but primarily for quality and service considerations.

Note: Notebooks are different in this regard because they are not usually made entirely of standard components, and their functionality and quality does depend on manufacturer-specific designs to a large degree.

Since PCs are assemblies of components, the component "packages" must be studied carefully. Some PCs come with all the components and peripherals needed to make a fully-functioning system; others do not. There is a huge difference in value between a PC that includes a printer, sound card, modem and speakers, and one that does not--assuming you need those components. But the ads will just say "New PC!" and provide a long list of features.

In an attempt to make their products attractive with low prices, some companies employ tricks such as the infamous "monitor not included". Often the PC will be pictured with a monitor, and an asterisk leading to text written in a tiny font informing you that the monitor costs extra. In my opinion, this is deceptive advertising. It's like seeing an ad for a car and then finding out you have to pay extra for the steering wheel and the brakes. Make sure you find out exactly what's in the package.

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PC guide

Notebook PC Specification Issues

Notebook PCs--sometimes called "portables", "laptops" or similar names--are increasingly becoming popular in the marketplace. One important reason for this in my estimation is the freedom that notebooks can give the PC user. Especially in today's age of telecommuting, wireless communication and connectivity, many PC users feel that there is a distinct advantage to being able to "take the system with you". At the same time, notebooks have some rather significant limitations--they are not for everyone. I discuss this in some detail on the page that contrasts desktops and notebooks.

If you do decide that you want to buy a notebook machine, you will quickly realize that this is very different than buying a desktop system. For this reason, I have written this section, which provides some information geared especially towards the specification of notebook PCs. Most of the information about the design of desktop machines, the selection of components and other matters applies to notebooks as well, but they have their own particular quirks that make them unique. So consider the pages here to be an addition to the desktop information elsewhere in this chapter.

In this section I start by discussing some general issues related to specifying notebook PCs, and describe how this task differs from shopping for a desktop machine. I then take a look at the general classes of notebook PCs and how they differ. I then discuss the various characteristics and tradeoffs associated with notebook machines, and finally, provide some specific tips for component selection as it relates to notebook machines.

General Notebook Specification Issues

There are some important "rules of the road" to keep in mind when you are shopping for a notebook PC. These are especially essential to remember if this is the first time you have considered a notebook machine, having only purchased desktop units before. The experience is both similar and at the same time, rather different.

Here are some general specification issues that I consider to be particular to notebook machines:

  • Fewer Choices: In almost every way, you have fewer options and choices when shopping for a notebook. For starters, there are fewer PC types available in notebook form: you can't build your own notebook, and you can't get one custom-made from a local PC shop. Your choices are pretty much limited to the big manufacturers or the medium-sized and large direct-sale configure-to-order companies. Even amongst those that sell notebook models, you have less control over what is inside the machine, fewer configuration choices, and fewer options overall. This means that you will have a harder time getting exactly what you want in a notebook. You have to be more careful in your shopping.
  • More Focus On System Design: Notebooks are not modularized in the way that desktops are; they are much more tightly integrated. Due to the high level of miniaturization, and the desire of notebook buyers for smaller size and less weight, notebook makers "pack in" the components as much as possible. This means that all notebooks are essentially custom designs, which means the particular design of every model is much more important than it is with a modular desktop unit (which is mostly a function of its components). With a notebook, the components matter but the way they are put together matters just as much. You'll want to pay slightly less attention to the components and more to the total package than you would with a desktop.
  • An Exercise In Compromises: You can't have everything in a desktop machine, but you can have even less of everything in a notebook. :^) You give up a lot in getting portability, and you must be prepared to make tradeoffs in the characteristics of the machine you purchase.
  • Higher Cost: Notebooks cost much more than desktops, and the more capabilities, performance and capacity you try to put into the machine, not only the more you pay, but the more the premium over a comparable desktop machine you pay.
  • Different Expandability and Upgradeability Issues: With the exception of simple upgrades like adding memory, most notebooks cannot be expanded or upgraded the way a desktop can (for example, most notebooks cannot have their CPU upgraded). Expansion is very different for notebook machines--it is focused mostly on how to connect peripherals and external input devices. Some designs are also much easier to do a hard disk or removable storage drive upgrade on than others. These are very important considerations if you will be using a notebook a great deal.
  • Service and Support More Important: Notebooks are far more likely to experience damage or problems than desktop units. This is largely because they are moved around a lot and desktops are not, but also because they are much more miniaturized and compact. Furthermore, since they are custom-designed, you generally can't take any notebook to any PC technician and expect that person to have the experience and spare parts necessary to do repairs. These issues mean that service and support are critical when buying a notebook, which in turn means that your choice of manufacturer is critical.
  • Quality Is Essential: Everyone cares about quality, and I wouldn't suggest that it is not important for desktop machines, but it is more important for notebooks. All of the issues above are the reason: tighter integration, higher susceptibility to damage, difficulty of repair, and higher cost. If you're going to "take a flyer" on a company you've never heard of before, a notebook is not the system you want to do it with.

Notebook Sizes and Classes

The first decision you will need to make when shopping for a notebook is what general class of machine you are most interested in. While it is true that there is a spectrum of different designs, most machines fall into one of a handful of categories, based on the market and users for which they are targeted.

The key to knowing which class you want is being absolutely sure about what your requirements are for the system. You must understand what you want the system to be able to do, and what your priorities are. To some extent, the category of machine is a function of the design decisions made by the engineers who created it. The existence of different notebook categories is based primarily on the issue of size. More specifically, different notebook types are needed because of the fact that size trades off against other critical attributes, including performance, capacity, features and connectivity.

There are in fact several different aspects of size that all factor into the design of different notebook types:

  • Weight: Probably the most important distinguishing characteristic between classes is the fact that smaller ones weigh less. Many who travel want a lighter machine.
  • Width and Depth: If you close a notebook PC, the two dimensions other than thickness are its width and depth. These are probably the least critical of the size dimensions. However, they do have a direct impact on screen and keyboard size.
  • Thickness: Smaller machines are thinner than big ones. In order to achieve this, the units often have smaller hard disks, use external optical drives, and have keyboards with reduced key travel (how far down the key goes when you press it). Thickness seems to be important to many buyers; I've never understood the big attraction of this myself (what's 1" thick vs. 1.5" thick compared to the other dimensions of the unit and the thickness of the carrying case anyway?)

Of course these are all related: smaller and thinner almost always means lighter too. Here are the usual notebook classes and a brief description of each:

  • Full-Featured: These are the largest and heaviest notebook PCs. They usually have very large screens, a full-sized keyboard, and many integrated peripherals such as sound and speakers. They usually have all three of the drives usually found in a system: hard disk, optical and floppy. They have an extensive collection of input/output ports. Since they include so many of the features, components and accessories of a regular desktop PC, they can do most of what a desktop machine can. This means that you can use one of these notebooks in place of a desktop machine, instead of using it as just a "second PC". For this reason, full-featured units are often called "desktop replacements". With this type of unit you are sacrificing weight and cost for features, capacity and performance.
  • Lightweights: These are more "middle of the road" machines. They are smaller and lighter than full-featured units, and may not have as full a complement of integrated components. Typically they will not have both an optical and a floppy drive, but may instead use swappable drive bays, or externals. They are larger than sub-notebooks however, and have more performance and capacity than most sub-notebooks do. They represent the "balanced" approach of the notebook design world.
  • Sub-notebooks: These are the very smallest units available that still maintain the core functionality of a PC, and run standard PC operating systems and software. With these machines the priority is small size, low weight and easy transportation. They are very popular with executives and others who travel a great deal: the difference of a few pounds between a full-sized notebook and a sub-notebook can become substantial if you spend much of the day dragging it around on your shoulder. In exchange for their small size these PCs often sacrifice screen size, performance, keyboard feel, integrated peripherals, battery life and many other attributes. They usually use external optical and floppy drives, and may even have their serial and parallel ports on an external device. To those who need the small size, these compromises are worthwhile. Some even buy a sub-notebook as a second notebook machine, to complement a more full-featured model.

Note: Some people call personal digital assistants (PDAs) "sub-notebooks" as well, since they are "PC-like" and certainly smaller than a notebook. I believe these units are stripped-down sufficiently that I don't consider them PCs any more, and do not cover them in this guide. I do mention a bit about them here.

Of course there are shades of gray between these categories, and not all notebooks will fit cleanly into one of the three. In fact, it doesn't really matter what class any particular unit falls into. What is important is to think about what size you want, and understand the way notebook makers position their products. The ideal size for you depends in turn entirely on how you plan to use the machine, and most importantly, how important size and weight are to you, compared to the other notebook attributes.

As I alluded to in the bullet point on sub-notebooks, the key in some ways is how "portable" you want "portable" to be. Some people use a notebook primarily while traveling, and only as a second machine. For these, a very lightweight unit is of paramount importance, and a lack of CPU performance, screen size or disk space is not a big issue. Others want a notebook for the ability to easily move their work with them, but usually use the machine in one position or another, stationary. I personally fall into this category--I prefer a machine that has more features, and I don't care much about weight since I don't spend very much time carrying the unit around. I do care about performance and features since my notebook is my primary machine.

Note: Companies focus heavily on the weight of the notebook unit itself, but when you travel, do you just take the PC itself? Of course not: you have to take all the cables and accessories too. Include these in weight assessments. For example, if a maker shaves half a pound off the weight of the base unit by making the CD-ROM drive external, then that only matters if you rarely use the CD-ROM drive. Otherwise you're going to be dragging it around with you anyway, and also putting up with the hassle of having it external to the system.

Key Notebook Design Characteristics and Tradeoffs

As I mentioned, notebook PCs are an exercise in compromises. Taking an entire PC and cramming it into a box approximately the size of a textbook doesn't come easy. I consider the engineers who create notebooks to be the "magicians of the PC world", constantly cramming more power and more features into the same amount of space--and sometimes even less space.

Still, there's only so much you can put into any design with sacrificing something else. This means that in considering what you want from a notebook's design, you have to make tradeoffs. Here are some of the key design characteristics of notebooks and the tradeoffs they make against each other and other important system attributes:

  • Size and Weight: To get smaller size and lower weight one must make a lot of compromises in other design matters. I discuss this in some detail where I introduce different notebook classes.
  • Cost: The more performance, capacity and features in the notebook, the more you'll pay, and the differences are magnified from what they are in the desktop world. You also pay more for quality, and that's very important in the notebook world.
  • Performance: Performance trades off against both cost and size (larger notebooks are usually more powerful than smaller ones). It also trades off against other attributes. One is battery life, because faster CPUs, larger hard disk drives and so on use more power. Another is cooling, which is an important reliability issue for notebooks, and is made more difficult by faster components.
  • Battery Life: Battery life (how long the battery lasts on a charge) trades off primarily against size and cost (because to reduce weight or cost many notebooks use smaller batteries) and also against performance and features (because more and faster components often require more power to run). This is one of the reasons some notebooks have SpeedStep processors that run at a slower speed when the notebook is on the battery. Battery life is a matter of great import to many notebook users, but not of much relevance to others--it all depends on whether you use the machine "in transit" a great deal, or not.
  • Cooling: As PC performance increases, more components create more heat. At one point no components in the PC needed special cooling features; then just CPUs did. Now on some desktops heat sinks are required for the CPU, the video card and even the hard disk. In the notebook world matters are often worse, because the cramped environs of the notebook box don't allow for easy cooling. Increasing performance or reducing size makes cooling more difficult. (This is another reason why Intel created SpeedStep, which reduces CPU speed and voltage when running on the battery.) Note that cooling is primarily a reliability issue but also affects comfort, especially if you actually use your notebook as a "laptop". They can get quite hot on the legs. :^)
  • Quality: As described in a previous section, quality is essential in a notebook. It primarily trades off against cost: better units cost more than lesser ones.

In addition to these primary design characteristics and their tradeoffs, there are a few other design issues to keep in mind when looking at notebooks:

  • Expandability: Larger units generally come with more expansion and interconnection options. These help increase the functionality of the system and also let you use it more as you would a desktop.
  • Modularity: Designs that are modular are superior to those that are not, because they give you flexibility. Especially important is modularity when it comes to key components that you might want to upgrade, such as the hard disk drive.
  • Port Replication and Docking: Some designs come with a port replicator or docking station (though this is usually an option that you pay extra for). These are hardware units that connect to the notebook to improve its expandability and connectivity when the laptop is "at home". These are often paired with smaller, lighter notebook designs, and can give you the "best of both worlds": while traveling you have reduced weight, and when at home you "dock" the machine and get access to your standard external peripherals.
  • Screen Size: For most notebook designs, the size of the screen is the deciding factor in the size (but not necessarily weight) of the notebook as a whole. Most users prefer larger screens to smaller ones, but you can't make a very small and light notebook with a huge screen. Even smaller screens are of a pretty good size today, compared to the 8-9" screens of the early 1990s.
  • Integrated Components: I prefer to avoid integrated components for desktop units because they cause the design to be inflexible and proprietary. For notebooks however, such designs can be a definite plus, when the integrated components are of a fairly standard nature. For example, some notebooks have a standard integrated V.90 56K modem; this is great because it saves you from having to "waste" a PC Card slot on a PC Card modem. (Check in the BIOS setup of the notebook to see if any integrated components can be disabled, in case you need to turn them off.)

Notebook-Specific Component Specification Issues

Notebooks are designed, built and used in a rather different way than desktops, so it should not be a big surprise that they have special issues that must be taken into consideration when selecting components. To help you with assessing different notebook models and their various attributes and components, I am going to take a look at various issues related to component selection that are particular to notebooks.

If you have not already done so, you may wish to review the general system-based component selection discussion. This will provide you with the basics of component selection in PC systems. While notebooks certainly are different from desktops, they are still PCs and much of that information will apply. A good approach is to start with that general information, and then read this notebook-specific page to see where and how notebooks differ from desktops.

The following are the components that require special consideration when purchasing a notebook PC, and the ways in which they are important to notebook design. Note that you can click on most of the component headings to go to the appropriate detail page discussing that component (though that discussion will not be notebook-specific):

  • System Case: The "case" of a notebook refers to the exterior of the unit, usually made of plastic. Assess the sturdiness of the unit. Open and close the screen and decide how solid the overall unit feels. Will it stand up to repeated opening and closing motions? Another important issue is cooling. Look for a system that has a reputation for reliable operation without overheating. A cooling fan is also a good thing to look for, especially one whose operation can be controlled by the user.
  • Power: Notebooks run either off their internal battery or external power. There are a number of different considerations to look for here:
    • Battery Technology: There are a several types of batteries used in modern notebooks. Lithium ion batteries are the best, as they offer long service and small size; they are also the most expensive. Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries are the second-best type. Nickel-cadmium (NiCd) batteries are the oldest common technology and are now disappearing from the market.
    • Battery Capacity: Some notebooks only have one place for a battery while others have two, or will let you swap out one of the drives for an extra battery if needed. Designs that let you use two batteries are more flexible, though this does not matter for everyone. Also look for the ability to swap batteries without shutting the machine down.
    • Battery Life: Most manufacturers state an average number of minutes that the battery will last under "typical use". In most cases these are exaggerations if not outright lies. A better source of information on battery life is to look for real-world battery run-down tests, often conducted by online review sites and magazines testing notebooks.
    • AC and DC Adapters: The AC adapter is a very important component if you use your notebook a lot, even though it gets little attention. A second adapter is good insurance if you travel for long periods of time with your machine and don't want to be "stranded" in the event of adapter failure or loss. DC adapters are an option that let you use your machine in a car or on an airplane.
    • Power Management: Software features to disable hardware that is idle are important for maximizing battery life. Be sure to find out what is included and how much control you have over these options.
  • System Processor (CPU): Today's notebook PCs use special CPU designs intended especially for "mobile" computers. They typically use less power to conserve battery life, and they are also usually slower than desktop processors. Some notebooks now use Intel CPUs that come with "SpeedStep" technology. This feature runs the CPU at a slower speed and lower voltage when operating on the battery, and only at full speed when on AC power. This can be useful if battery life is essential to you, but be sure that it can be disabled if you need full CPU power when on the move.
  • System Memory (RAM): Notebooks use the same types of memory as desktops, generally, but that memory is often packaged into smaller physical modules. Adequate memory is very important: look for at least 64 MiB, and be sure to find out about memory expansion. You want the ability to expand the memory to at least 128 MiB, and most importantly, to be able to do it yourself. Find out if the unit uses standard or proprietary memory; standard is preferable.
  • Video Card: There's no separate "card" of course with a notebook, but the functionality is in there somewhere. :^) Considerations aren't much different for notebooks than they are for desktops. The biggest difference is that you are stuck with whatever is in the machine for as long as you use it. Therefore, it is best to get a system with as popular a chipset as possible; this will help ensure that you will have driver support into the future. Look for at least 4 MB of video memory; 8 MB is better. Note that 3D functions and features are changing all the time; don't expect to have a "superb" 3D gaming setup with a notebook, at least, not for very long. You can still have adequate performance though.

Tip: Many laptops have the ability to send the output to an external monitor; if this is important to you be sure to look for it.

  • LCD Screen: The screen is probably the most important and most expensive part of any notebook machine. There are a few key issues to keep in mind when selecting one:
    • Size: Most notebooks use screens that range in size from about 10" to 15". Larger screens let you see more information at one time, and can also let you use larger typefaces to reduce eye strain. They cost more of course, and also make the notebook larger. Someday someone will invent a "fold-out" LCD screen: that will be awesome. :^)
    • Technology: Most LCD screens use one of two basic designs. The superior type is active-matrix (sometimes also called thin-film transistor or TFT) which uses a transistor for each pixel on the screen; the inferior type is passive-matrix (also known as dual-scan) where a transistor is used only for each row and column of the screen. Active matrix screens are brighter, easier to view from an angle, and preferred by most users, especially those that use the notebook a great deal. They can cost significantly more money, however. They also use more power than passive designs.
    • Resolution: Each notebook LCD screen has a maximum screen resolution that corresponds to the number of pixels it can display. The higher the resolution, the more data on the screen, but the smaller the size of each graphic or text element for a given screen size. Standard resolutions are 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768 and 1280x1024. You can usually set a high-resolution screen to display at a lower resolution, but this is not ideal: the image will be reduced in quality, Some systems cannot scale lower-resolution displays to the full screen; they just make a small box in the center of the screen with a black border around it--probably not what you want. Some units use unusual proprietary resolutions, which can still work OK but might cause confusion to some types of software.
    • Quality: Seeing is believing--take a look at the screen and assess its brightness, viewability, sharpness and clarity. Check any new notebook for screen defects: black pixels or pixels stuck in one color. Assess the brightness and contrast controls for the screen.

Warning: Some manufacturers, in an attempt to reduce warranty costs from bad pixels on LCD screens, set a "minimum number" of bad pixels before they will consider a screen defective. This means that if you try to get a notebook with a bad pixel replaced, you'll be told that this is "within design specifications" or similar nonsense. I don't know about you, but if I spend $3,000 on a new notebook I expect all the pixels to work properly. Find out about such policies before you buy!

  • Hard Disk Drive: Most better notebooks now use industry-standard 2.5" form factor notebook hard disks. Here are some specific issues to keep in mind:
    • Performance: Notebook hard disks are smaller and usually slower than desktop units, to reduce power consumption and heat generation. They often are major bottlenecks in overall system performance, so get the fastest one you can.
    • Hard Disk Bay: Designs that have a user-accessible bay and use standard drives let you upgrade to a larger drive in the future if you need to, or replace a failed drive. These are greatly preferred over designs where you can't access the drive yourself.
    • Thickness and Compatibility: There are four different standard heights for notebook hard disks: 9 mm, 12.5 mm, 17 mm and 19 mm. Thicker notebooks can usually use thinner drives (but not always). Thinner notebooks can't use taller drives.
  • Floppy Disk Drive: Having a floppy drive of some sort is a good idea. Since most people use them rarely, there's not much disadvantage to having the floppy be a module or external unit. Some notebooks come with high-capacity LS-120 floppy drives, which can facilitate backups.
  • Optical (CD/DVD) Drive: Most notebooks come with either a CD-ROM or DVD drive (called optical drives because they use a laser). Much as is the case with desktops, your choice comes down to cost and what options the manufacturer is offering. CD-RW drives are generally not offered on notebooks. (DVD drives are nice on notebooks if they come with video hardware and software to let you watch DVD movies; the high quality of the LCD screen can make this a pleasant way to pass a couple of hours on a cramped cross-country or overseas flight.)
  • Keyboard: Since they must be crammed into small spaces, keyboards on notebooks are very suboptimal--and of course, unlike regular PCs, you can't just replace them if you don't like the one that is included. Here are some particular issues:
    • Quality: If you do a lot of typing do not underestimate the importance of keyboard quality: a bad keyboard can make the entire notebook experience very dissatisfying. If possible, try the unit out first. Don't just press a few keys, type a page of text into a word processor. See if the support for your wrists is adequate. Decide if the travel of the keystrokes is acceptable or if you feel like you are typing on concrete. Also pay close attention to the layout of the keyboard: the closer to a standard desktop keyboard, the less confusion you will experience going between desktop and notebook machines. Watch arrow key placement for sure: a standard "inverted-T" arrangement is far superior to "four in a column" arrow keys, for example.
    • External Support: If you do a lot of typing on a notebook, the ability to attach an external keyboard is a must. You may be able to do this through a PS/2 port on the back of the notebook, or through a docking station or port replicator. USB is also an option on some models.
    • Extras: Some notebooks come with extra programmable buttons or "instant" Internet buttons. Nice to have I suppose, but not a major consideration for most people.
  • Pointing Device: Since regular mice require a flat surface they can't readily be integrated into notebooks. Most notebooks come with either a flat touchpad or an integrated pointing stick. Which you prefer is a matter of personal taste: if you are like me you hate both, finding them cumbersome and slow to use. If so, make sure you can attach an external mouse through a serial, PS/2 or USB port, or some other way.
  • Modem or Internet Connection: Most notebooks either come with a standard V.90 56K modem integrated into them, or they rely on the use of a PC Card modem, which may or may not be included. Integrated is better, depending on cost and assuming it works properly, because it means you save a PC Card slot. If you do use a slot and also plan to do networking, look for combination modem and networking PC cards that integrate both in the same package, again, saving a slot.
  • Sound System: Once a special feature, a sound chip is found on most notebooks today, and many also have speakers. The speakers on a notebook are generally very small and therefore not of much use; they are fine for "business sound" I suppose, but bad to the point of giggles for music or gaming. A headphone jack is a must if you want to use your notebook for sound (as I do many hours a day.) A line-out connection for a home stereo can make your notebook produce sound as good as many desktops.
  • PC Card Slots: Most modern notebooks come with PC Card slots that allow you to add expansion devices to the notebook. The invention of these slots greatly improved the expandability of notebooks, allowing you to add to a notebook system an amazing array of different peripherals that were previously the exclusive domain of desktops. Here are some important considerations:
    • Number And Type Of Slots: Most notebooks use standard "Type II" slots, which allow the use of "Type I" or "Type II" PC cards (the types differ in thickness, and Type II is most common). Two PC card slots is standard; thinner notebooks may have only one slot, with restricts your expansion options (though they may make up for it with an integrated modem, for example). Avoid any model that has no slots at all.
    • Slot Technology: The older interface used for these slots was the 16-bit PCMCIA interface. Many newer notebooks use the 32-bit CardBus interface, which greatly improves performance. CardBus is especially important for high-performance applications like high-speed networking or external hard disk drives; for something slow like a modem it doesn't make any difference. CardBus slots are normally backward-compatible with 16-bit PC cards, supporting both types.
  • Other Interfaces: Better notebooks come with a wide assortment of input and output ports: the more you have, the more flexible the machine. If you plan the system for a particular use, look for the interfaces you need. Here are some ports you may find: PS/2, serial, parallel, USB, Firewire (IEEE-1394), video in and video out, joystick, audio in, audio line out, speaker out, and infrared (for some types of printers).

Tip: Using a third party multiplexing device called a "Y Mouse" (by P.I. Engineering) you can add both an external keyboard and mouse to a notebook through a single PS/2 port.

  • Carrying Case: Last but not least, do not forget a padded carrying case if you travel with your notebook PC. Without one, you are likely to meet with disaster some day (I myself recently dropped my notebook from a height of about two feet--the padded case probably saved it). Better cases offer more protection from shock and more room for your accessories. Also look at the carrying strap: wider ones will be easier on your shoulders. Synthetic cases may not be as fancy as leather ones, but are often considerably lighter. Finally, try to go with a simple case if possible, so as to avoid advertising to potential thieves the presence of an expensive piece of equipment.

Operating System Choices and Issues

The operating system (commonly abbreviated OS) is the central piece of software that acts as the "general manager" of the PC, interfacing the hardware of the system and the applications that you want to run. Every PC has to have an operating system in order to allow it to do anything useful. Some PCs actually have more than one.

I'm not going to try to explain all there is to know about operating systems in a few paragraphs. Aside from being pointless--it can't be done in a quality manner--it is beyond the scope of this Buyer's Guide. I do, however, want to introduce the more common PC operating systems, and more importantly, discuss how the choice of software and operating system affects your hardware selections.

Most PCs run one of the Microsoft operating systems. These are broken into two general categories:

  • "Consumer" Operating Systems: These are operating systems designed primarily for use by individuals: Windows 95, Windows 98 and Windows ME (Millennium Edition). They evolved from the older Microsoft operating systems (DOS and Windows 3.1). Windows ME is the newest in this line and is an enhanced version of Windows 98, which is in turn very similar to Windows 95, but updated. These are the most widely used operating systems in the PC world, and they support the widest range of hardware and software, but are susceptible to crashes and may have performance issues. (Incidentally, there are many machines still running Windows 3.1 or even straight DOS!)
  • "Professional" Operating Systems: Windows NT, and its successor, Windows 2000, were redesigned from the ground up rather than being based upon older versions of DOS or Windows. They are focused towards the professional and business market, and emphasize security, reliability and performance. Their disadvantages are software support, hardware requirements, and cost. There are several different versions of each of these, depending on how much capability you need and how much you are willing to spend.

Most new PCs are now shipping with Windows 98, Windows ME or some level of Windows 2000. However, if you don't want to go with a Microsoft operating system, there are alternatives. One is an increasingly-popular version of UNIX called Linux; another is BeOS. Most people stay with Windows and don't consider these choices because they want to stay with the "mainstream" and be able to run Windows applications. Linux and BeOS certainly don't run nearly as much software as the various Windows versions do, but they support a reasonable selection of applications in their own right. If properly set up, they can also run much more reliably and with higher performance than the Microsoft operating systems. They are usually more complex to install and require more skill to manage than the mainstream OSes. As I'll discuss below, they also may require you to do your own technical support for them.

The operating system sits between the hardware of the system and the applications. This means that there are two different compatibility issues that must be taken into consideration when planning your system: the applications you want to run must be compatible with the operating system, and the hardware must be compatible with the operating system as well. Here are some of the critical issues to keep in mind regarding operating system choice and your new PC:

  • Special Application Compatibility: Not all applications will run on all operating systems. If you have a special application that is the primary reason for purchasing the machine, you should let that guide your operating system decision: it may require a particular OS. For example, some high-end applications will only run on Windows NT or Windows 2000. Some may only run on Windows 95, 98 or ME. Some require Linux or even a different flavor of UNIX.
  • General Application Compatibility: Some operating systems support a wider variety of software applications than others. Microsoft is trying to get all new Windows software to be written so that it will run on both the "consumer" and "professional" operating systems, and most applications do work on both. There are, however, software programs that only work on the consumer operating systems. This is especially true of older software, and also of many entertainment software titles--these often have issues with Windows NT or Windows 2000.

Note: Utility software is always OS-specific to some extent since it is working with the OS at an intimate level. Utility software writers usually make different versions for different operating systems.

  • Hardware Compatibility: You need to ensure that the operating system you want to run will work with the hardware you are selecting, and vice-versa. Some PC manufacturers will not support some operating systems--in fact, the hardware may still work with an "unsupported" OS, but the company may not provide technical assistance. Be especially careful with notebook machines, which may not function properly at all if you install operating systems on them that haven't been tested and approved.

Warning: Many hardware vendors will not provide support for non-Microsoft operating systems for a simple reason: they probably don't have anyone around that knows anything about them, making support nearly impossible. If you want to use one of these you'll have to rely on your own smarts in combination with a healthy assortment of online resources. If you install Linux on a standard retail PC and run into any problems with the hardware, expect the company to blame it on the Linux install, even when it is clearly a hardware issue..

  • Specific Hardware and Driver Support: On certain operating systems your PC may work, but certain hardware items may not function. This is usually either because no drivers have been written for them, or the operating system is incapable of making use of the hardware. For example, Windows 95 and 98 will not make use of more than one system processor in a PC, but Windows NT and 2000 will use two, four or more CPUs. Windows NT and 2000 of course have other restrictions that the consumer operating systems don't. Sometimes an operating system can have support added for newer hardware through a patch.
  • Hardware Requirements: Some operating systems are much more demanding when it comes to the hardware needed to run them than others. In general, the newer the operating system, the more CPU power and system memory it needs to run effectively. It's also generally the case that the professional operating systems require more hardware than the consumer-level ones do, especially system memory.

You may be given a choice at the time you order your PC of which operating system you prefer, and also if you want it preinstalled or not. Having the OS preinstalled is more convenient and will save time over doing it yourself, but many "power users" prefer to install the operating system themselves so they have control over the various choices made during the install process. Most companies will install the operating system by default, so if you don't want them to, be sure to ask.

Tip: Whether the PC maker installs the operating system or not, make sure you get the source CD for the OS included with the system; you may need it later on.

Essential PC Software

Obviously, every PC must have an operating system, to allow you to interact with the hardware and run your application software. After the operating system, however, what you choose to use for software is entirely up to you. No two PCs are the same in terms of the software they run (except maybe in large corporations, but even there "personal touches" are quite common).

What some people consider essential software, others would never use. Therefore, it's difficult to create a list of software that everyone would agree is essential to every PC. However, there are some software programs that in this day and age, pretty much any personal computer must be equipped with. Most of these are related to the basic operation and maintenance of the machine, which is an important job that is incumbent on every PC owner.

At one time PCs came with almost nothing in terms of software. The operating system was DOS, and early versions were fairly crude, including little in the way of support utilities. Over time, Microsoft began incorporating more and more functions and utilities into its operating systems, starting with late versions of DOS and continuing through current versions of the Windows operating systems.

Today, most systems that come with Windows pre-installed already have on them a few programs that I consider essential for basic PC use:

  • Text Editor: A basic editor is required on any PC, if for no other reason than for changing system files. In Windows two are provided: EDIT on the DOS command line, and Notepad within the graphical shell.
  • Backup Software: Windows comes with backup software. It is fairly rudimentary and does not support all the features of after-market backup utilities, but it will do the job for some people.
  • Basic File System Utilities: You will need a program for checking your hard disk's file system for errors, and another for defragmenting the file system. These once required the purchase of external software, but basic versions (SCANDISK and DEFRAG) are now built into Windows. Similar third-party software is also available that is either faster or has more features or both.
  • File Manager: Windows Explorer allows you to view and manage your files. Again, more advanced programs are available from third parties.
  • Communications: Basic communications tools include networking software, a browser and a terminal program. These are all now built into modern versions of Windows, though in some circumstances you may wish to get third-party versions.

Many people choose to either download freeware software that improves upon the above built-in software, or to pay for third-party commercial software. In addition to those programs, there is other software that you are almost certain to need at one point or another as you use your PC. If you are shopping for a pre-packaged PC, look to see if any of these programs are included; if they are, you may save yourself money if you get them bundled with the PC:

  • Anti-Virus Software: This is the "big one". With viruses running rampant and causing data loss to thousands every year, you must protect yourself with a quality anti-virus program. Make sure you have one.
  • Backup Software: If Microsoft Backup doesn't do the job for you, you will need more advanced backup software. (Sometimes backup devices such as CD-RW or tape drives will come with a version of good backup software.)
  • Compression Utility: Many software and data products are distributed today in compressed format, using "zip files". You will eventually need to license a copy of compression software such as WinZip if you download software frequently, or work a great deal with others and need to move data efficiently.

As you can see, the list is pretty short: that's a testament to how differently various PC users use their machines. There just isn't all that much software that absolutely everyone needs. I would recommend you make sure you have at least the basics above though!



Bundled Software With New PCs

One of the biggest benefits associated with buying a pre-packaged retail PC or a mail-order machine manufactured by a big company, is that you will usually get a software bundle included with the system. Given the tremendous cost of some application software, the value of this bundle should be carefully considered in any system purchase decision. (In fact, I would go far as to say that the lack of included software is the single biggest disadvantage associated with buying a build-to-order PC from a small local shop. It's also one reason why I might recommend against a homebuilt PC for someone who is starting out with no software.)

How is it that some large PC companies can include bundles of expensive software while remaining competitive with smaller companies that don't? Well, they do pay for the right to include the software, and their machines have that cost included in them. That's one reason why these machines usually cost a bit more, though that "bit" is a small fraction of the retail price of the software. The real issue here is volume, and the intangible nature of software.

If a big PC maker approaches a hardware company and offers to buy 10,000,000 units of a product, they will certainly get a nice price discount. However, there's only so far the component manufacturer can go, because they are building a tangible product. It itself has components, manufacturing costs, overhead and labor, and these are expenses that must be covered for each unit. Software is different. It certainly costs a great deal to develop it, and some amount to support it, but the cost to make each specific software CD is miniscule. Furthermore, that cost is usually limited to the packaging associated with the product.

If a big PC maker approaches a software company and says they want to buy 10,000,000 licenses for a software product, the software company will give them a very steep discount, because they have virtually no variable (per-unit) costs to cover. They don't even have to make the packaging! Also, they usually contract with the PC company so the software company isn't responsible for support on those units. This reduces the software company's costs for those licenses to a very small number. So even if a program sells for $400 in the store, they might license it to the PC maker for 10% of that cost, and still make a very nice profit. (And in some cases the software maker is willing to give up even more profit in order to get the market share associated with having their product on every one of a big PC maker's new machines.) Of course, your local PC shop doesn't have that sort of buying power, so they can't make similar deals, and that's why the discrepancy exists.

Software bundles vary greatly from one manufacturer to the next, and even between models made by the same company. For example, a PC package targeted towards high-school students would typically come with more educational software, reference resources and games, while a PC marketed towards businesses would be more likely to contain financial and business applications. The applications that are most commonly found in software bundles are:

  • An operating system, usually one of the current Microsoft operating systems such as Windows 2000 or Windows ME;
  • An office suite, such as Microsoft Office (but sometimes only one component may be included, such as the word processor);
  • An anti-virus package.
  • An electronic encyclopedia.

The value of a software bundle is entirely in the eye of the beholder. If you've already got all the software you need, then getting more software isn't going to help you much--don't let the system maker excite you about things you don't need. If you are starting from scratch, however, then you do need the operating system and anti-virus software at the very least. If you also need an office suite, then you could be looking at over $500 just for the software to buy it after the sale. Clearly this will significantly impact your purchase decision, especially if you are talking about a $1000 PC.

Tip: If you already have software that is bundled with a PC you like, you may be able to get the company to give you a credit back on that software, reducing the cost of the system. However, here the fact that these companies pay so little for the software works against you: since the PC maker isn't paying much for the software to begin with, they will give you at best a very small credit if you don't want the software. Many will give you nothing at all.

A final issue related to bundled software is what exactly is included with the PC. Sometimes companies install the bundled software but don't include the source disks. Be sure to ask, because if you ever need to reinstall the software in the future, you will have trouble without the source disks. See here for more.